STODART, Frank Lindsay (1884-1944)Frank Lindsay Stodart was born on 10 March 1884, the son of David Edmund Stodart and Flora Matilda nee Willis.
He was educated at Geelong Grammar School from 18 April 1898 and then enrolled as a day student at Geelong College in 1901. His address at the time was 'Glenleith', Geelong.
A talented sportsman he was a member of the 1st Cricket XI for three years in 1901, 1902 and 1903, the 1st Football XVIII for four years in 1901, 1902, 1903 and 1904 and won the College's foremost Athletics Award, the Geelong College Cup in 1902. He later played 30 games in the VFL competition with the Geelong Football Club during the years 1903-1905 and 1908.
The Geelong College
Annual Reports list him in receipt of the following awards:
1903 - 1st, History, University Class
1903 - 1st, French, University Class
He was working in the pastoral industry on
St Mount Ada Station, Benalla during World War I, when he enlisted (No. 517) in the AlF on 5 January 1915, aged 30. He embarked with A Squadron 8th Light Horse on 25 February' 1915 on
HMAT A16 Star of Victoria for Egypt and Gallipoli. On Gallipoli he suffered from pneumonia, necessitating evacuation to Mudros and Alexandria. He was repatriated to Australia on 31 October 1915 on
HMT Aeneas, prior to discharge on 30 May 1916.
He died in February 1944.
He was in the group photograph of
'Old Geelong Collegian Light Horsemen, 1915' organised by
Major Ernest Albert Edward Gregory (1882-1915), who was later killed in action on Gallipoli.
Geelong Grammarians records the following about him:
'Born 10 March 1884. Second son of David Edmond Stodart (GGS 1858-9). Brother of David Edmond Stodart (GGS 1898- ), Charles Merton Stodart (GGS 1899-) and George Willis Stodart (GGS 1900- ). Frank began his education at home and was admitted to GGS as a day boy 18 April 1898.' His brothers,
David Edmund Stodart DSO DFC (1882- 1938),
Charles Merton Stodart MC (1887-1928), and George Willis Stodart (1889-1976), were also educated at Geelong College.
Sources: Corfield & Persse. 'Geelong Grammarians: A Biographical Register Vol One 1855-1913' p559; ‘Geelong Collegians at the Great War’ compiled by James Affleck. p 321 (citing The Pegasus; National Archives).